Hi Layover, what are your names?
Hey, thank you for featuring us!
Dominic Cattell – Guitar
Brad Fisher – Drums
Luke Rainsford – Vocals
Elliot Wallett – Bass
How did you come up with the band’s name?
Luke came across a poem on the internet under the name Layover, and felt that the definition of Layover really fit the place that we were all in our lives when we first formed the band. This has definitely carried through to our new sound, as we have changed so much over the years. The definition of ‘Layover’ is a break between two parts of a journey, and Layover has always been a place we’ve all come together between the big changes in our lives, such as before going to Uni, getting jobs and other big milestones in our lives.
What is your genre of music?
Emo/Pop Punk
Give us a little bio about you as individuals and a band
Brad, Dom and Luke are close friends who began playing music together in 2015. Previously we knew Elliot through various other projects he was active throughout, however he filled in for us on bass at last minute on our very first tour with Coast To Coast and we glued really well as a band and a group of close friends.
You have just announced your EP ‘Your Laughter Never Leaves’ tell us more about it.
Your Laughter Never Leaves was a huge transition in sound for us, we started to develop our own sound that we began to reach on our single “Lessons (I Wish I’d Never Had To Learn)”. We wanted the music to be honest and reflect how we’ve matured as we’ve grown older.
Describe each track in two words
Hunger Pains: Pop Punk
Coffee and Fluoxetine: Honest & Tappy
Hollow Me out: Fast & Fun
Slumber: Big & Sad
Your Laughter Never Leaves: Really catchy
What was the writing process like?
For this record the writing process was a long one, as we wrote the first two songs of the EP ,‘Hunger Pains & Coffee’ extremely early on. Due to a wide range of personal reasons, the band was at the back of our minds and we stopped playing together for quite some time. As Elliot began to work on building his own recording studio, we got back together and continued to write the remaining songs, while revisiting the first two at the same time. We learnt that by taking the time off from the band we all individually matured and grew as people, allowing us to become more focused coming back to the band after our break.
What was the recording process like?
We recorded the EP with Ian Sadler in November 2017, and I think we all agree it was probably one of the best weeks of our lives. We entered with the tracks that Ian had not previously heard and he soon jumped on board with ways of improving and adding the finishing touches. The week we spent with Ian was a huge amount of fun and we would recommend anyone to have a look into recording with him at Emeline Studios.
What is the message you want to get out?
The EP is strongly themed around loss, and the way that can affect a person. The songs are mostly around dealing with mental health issues such as depression, and the guilt of focusing on self care whilst going through the death of a loved one.
What else can we expect from you all?
We recently released our single Slumber, and spoilers – you may see another song before the release of the EP.
Do you have any gigs or a tour coming up? If so where will you be heading?
We have a gig on the 21st March in Manchester with our friends in Elevator Lady, the same day as our takeover! We also have a gig with Tiny Moving Parts in Birmingham on the 14th April, which is like a dream come true for us all. We are in also in the process of booking some tours, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
What made you go into music?
Dom – I can’t remember the exact specifics, but the minute I started playing music I knew it was something I intended to do for the rest of my life.
Elliot – I have always listened and been interested in music from a young age, once I began to write and perform music I became hooked on everything to do with it and have had so many great experiences from doing so.
Brad – I grew up listening to a wide range of music, from Linkin Park to artists like Breaking Benjamin. Lately I grew more into the hardcore scene – which is a huge influence in my style of drumming, bands like Counterparts and Architects.
Luke – Originally I loved listening to Pop Punk bands like New Found Glory and Green Day for the energy and angst, but as I grew up I fell in love with songs that came from extremely emotional places, from bands such as The Wonder Years and Modern Baseball. This led me to want to start writing songs and learning to sing, though originally I played drums. Seeing my favourite bands being able to express their emotions and having people be able to relate to them and find a place they weren’t afraid to be themselves was extremely inspirational to me, and it’s always been a dream of mine for people to relate to my songs in the same way.
Are you signed?
We are signed to Fox Records (we would like to thank Joe who runs Fox for being the nicest guy and giving us so many opportunities whilst making this record).
Do you play any other instruments?
Luke can play drums and guitar. Elliot and Dom can play Bass and Guitar visa versa. Brad begun his music career by playing Trumpet in an orchestra. We would really like to utilize the fact we are all able to play other instruments at some point to be able to expand our musical horizons and progress our sound for future releases.
Who are your influences?
Noticeable influences include bands such as: The Wonder Years, Tiny Moving Parts, Tiger’s Jaw as well as more recent bands such as Casey & Movements. However we all listen to and have influences from a wide range of music outside of alternative rock and punk.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Dom – I don’t really think about what inspires me, I just kind of start writing and it falls into place if the time is right. I’m constantly listening to different genres/types of music, and I think they tend to inspire what I write. I think my situation/environment at the time has a major effect as well, but I prefer not to think about it as I feel I’d look too much into it.
Luke – Most of my songwriting comes from me being bad at expressing myself any other way. If I have a bad day dealing with my mental health, I struggle to talk about it, but find it much easier to put it into words over songs. This helps me make my songs extremely personal, and helps turn negative feelings and emotions into something positive that the entire band can be proud of.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
We will definitely still be making & playing music, and hopefully branching out further than Europe.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
We all really like to play video games, and unfortunately we all are either studying or working jobs.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
Probably the main room at the O2 Academy in Birmingham, although playing the arena would also be insane.
If you could collaborate with one UK Artists or Band who would it be?
Casey, Holding Absence, and Boston Manor are all UK bands that are killing it. It’d be an honour to work with bands like this!
If you could collaborate with one US Artists or Band who would it be?
We’re all massive fans of Tiny Moving Parts, but we’d also love to work with bands like Free Throw and The Wonder Years.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Luke – Originally it was Going Away to College by Blink-182, but getting into writing and playing music it was Dismantling Summer by The Wonder Years.
Dom – There’s no specific song, but the first album that really made me want to write and play music in a band was the typical Blink-182’s self titled record. I also listened to Tigers Jaws earlier records a lot when I was younger which really pushed me into wanting to start a band.
Brad – Rock on. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15JCb6P60Vw
Elliot – I guess anything from the first Real Friends album influenced me to start playing shows and writing music in a band, that album really shaped my musical interests into what they are today.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
I guess just to be nice and friendly to everyone, you never know who’s going to be at a show and being able to make friends and connections benefits you so much. Even without the benefit, it just makes it so cool to be able to make friends all over the country.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Do/play what you enjoy and let yourself grow and develop. Don’t worry too much about what other people think, if you love what you play then other people will love it too.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Always believe in the heart of the cards.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Earplugs, phone, earplugs, wallet and earplugs. (we really like earplugs)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
